KickStart Campaign

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 99
POLICY CODE: IK

TO: Superintendents of Schools, School Principals, and Guidance Counselors

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner of Education

DATE: April 28, 2008

RE: KickStart Campaign

I would like to alert you to an opportunity for your 8th grade students. Last year, through a grant from the National Governors Association (NGA), Maine developed a creative and energetic social marketing campaign – KickStart – to engage 8th graders in thinking about the high school career on which they were about to embark, and the college career we hope they will eventually experience. Through creative approaches ranging from websites to television game shows, the KickStart Campaign attracted kids’ attention and successfully shared a message about getting ready for college.

The KickStart Campaign garnered national attention and praise. This year, thanks to a grant from the Lumina Foundation, we are able to bring this opportunity to a new class of 8th graders.

We have printed new copies of the College Planning Guide developed by the Mitchell Institute, as well as a new set of KickStart t-shirts. Many schools across the State had success last year in sharing these tools and treats with students in the context of selecting 9th grade classes or as part of career exploration events. Some held special assemblies for 8th graders. We hope you will find fun and creative ways to distribute these items to your students.

Please complete the order form at www.maine.gov/education/edletrs/2008/ilet/08ilet098attach.doc and return it to the Mitchell Institute. Orders for t-shirts and college planning guides will be filled and mailed to schools every week or two throughout the Spring.

Our experience last year was that the campaign’s humorous spirit captured students’ attention and that they responded positively to the serious messages embedded within the campaign. The t-shirts help to build excitement and awareness. The College Planning Guides are useful tools for teachers, students, and parents to use together in planning for the future.

I hope you will join me in supporting this important effort and help your students think about their future right out of the starting gate in high school. I encourage you to complete the order form and then use the t-shirts and College Planning Guides to help get your students excited about just how bright their futures can be!